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Monday, 11 June 2012

Changed days

To be honest, I'm too busy enjoying myself to blog!

But seriously, things have changed a bit over the last few months, particularly my role at work. With my colleague moving on in January to a new pastorate, I'm fulfilling the role of 'minister' to Trinity under the title of 'Ministry Team Leader' for the simple reason that I'm not technically a minister of either the denominations that Trinity has its roots in. It has been an exciting journey of exploration to say the least!

Those of you who've followed my journey longer term won't have escaped the irony in this. I was actually trying to get out of church leadership in this form when I left the Salvation Army. I've long explained the reasons for all that. So what's changed? In essence, nothing has really changed. I still have some pretty strong views about the shape of church, mission and leadership for the 21st century...I guess the difference is that at Trinity they're happy for me to be who I'm called to be and who I'm called to be seems to be meeting a need they have at this time. As well as that, there is also a small army of people around who make up for all the areas that are not my strongest points....and that has to be the biggest illustration of what the ministry of the whole body of Christ should be; each fulfilling his/her own part.

I'm a happy man. Happier than I've ever been. Not that my happiness is what its about....but it does help! More than all of that, it is just amazing what God has done to get me from where I was to where I am. Looking back on all the weird times, I can simple say it was all for 'such a time as this.' As the old Sally Army chorus says 'Just where he needs me, my Lord has placed me.' For that, I am most grateful.

It is, quite simply, a privilege to be giving some leadership to Trinity. You can't quite sum up Trinity in a word or a sentence...its a church on a pretty amazing journey. They have, by no means, arrived at a destination. I admire their determination to continue to be a dynamic and growing church, continuing to reach the community, especially young families.

There will come a day when, like every other ministry, I pass on the baton to someone else. What comes next? That'll be interesting to see. I'm in no rush to go anywhere. However, the Methodist Covenant prayer is particularly significant for me at the moment, it is my honest prayer.

'I am no longer my own but yours.
Put me to what you will,
rank me with whom you will;
put me to doing,
put me to suffering;
let me be employed for you,
or laid aside for you,
exalted for you,
or brought low for you;
let me be full,
let me be empty,
let me have all things,
let me have nothing:
I freely and wholeheartedly yield all things
to your pleasure and disposal.
And now, glorious and blessed God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
you are mine and I am yours.'